***UPDATE*** SJPD Arrests Suspect for 2017 Homicide #12

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

 

On May 18, 2017, at approximately 10:08 PM, while on routine patrol, San José Police Department Officers heard gunshots in the area of South 1st Street and Edwards Avenue. Officers located an adult male victim suffering from at least one gunshot wound. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased. No suspects were identified or apprehended at the time of the incident.

SJPD Homicide Unit Detectives responded to the scene and began a comprehensive investigation. Over the last two years, Detectives identified new leads and evidence. With the assistance of the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Cold Case Unit, Detectives identified William Vellmure Jr. as the primary suspect and obtained a warrant for his arrest.

On June 5, 2024, Officers from the Covert Response Unit located and apprehended suspect Vellmure Jr. in the city of San José. The suspect was subsequently booked into the Santa Clara County Jail for murder. 

The motive and circumstances surrounding the incident are under investigation.

This was the City's 12th homicide of 2017.

"The closure of this seven-year-old murder was a direct result of the persistence and determination of our Homicide Detectives, as well as the assistance from the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Cold Case Unit," stated Acting Chief of Police Paul Joseph. "I am grateful for Sergeant Martinez and Detective Jorgensen for their relentless dedication to the case, and grateful for the outstanding work performed everyday by our men and women in the San José Police Department."

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Detective Martinez #4117 or Detective Jorgensen #4090 of the San José Police Department Homicide Unit via email: 4117@sanjoseca.gov and/or 4090@sanjoseca.gov at 408-277-5283.

Submit crime tips and remain anonymous by using the P3TIPS mobile app, calling the tip line at (408) 947-STOP, or on www.siliconvalleycrimestoppers.org. If the information you submit leads to an arrest, you are eligible for a cash reward from the Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers Program.